Description
Medal for Combat Merit #173541
Awarded to private Taras Ilyich Postnikov (Тарас Ильич Постников)
For ensuring uninterrupted operation of the station’s communications from March 25 to March 30, 1943 under heavy enemy artillery fire. Despite dangerous conditions, he demonstrated remarkable courage and dedication
Made of solid silver and lacquer. The medal itself measures 32.08 mm in diameter and 36.58 mm in height including its eyelet. It weighs 18.0 grams without its suspension and 36.8 grams with the suspension but without the nut. Its eyelet is 5.50 mm in width and the suspension measures 25.30 mm in width at its narrowest point and 31.32 at its widest point.
The medal is in excellent, far above average condition with relatively few dings and scratches and its details crisp. The lacquer filling the letters ‘CCCP’ is fully present and original which is not often seen with these early medals. The silver suspension is original as is the silver screwpost, hexagon nut, the screwplate containing the text ‘Monetnij Dvor’ and the plate holding the ribbon. Its connection ring has not been cut and its ribbon appears to be time period to the medal.
Its excellent condition seems to be the result of Postnikov sadly passing away only one year after the medal was bestowed. It was thus worn for a relatively short period of time. Scans of the documents of his death and hospitalization can be found in the picture gallery.
Brief, concrete description of his feat of arms or accomplishments
Red Army soldier Postnikov Taras Ilyich was called to the Sigolovo station from March 25 to March 30, 1943. Acting as a signalman under heavy enemy artillery fire, he ensured the uninterrupted operation of the station’s communications. Despite dangerous conditions, he demonstrated remarkable courage and dedication.
Born in 1902, a non-party member, and drafted into the Red Army from the Ukrainian RVD, Krasiviri-Verokoyke Drei.
More info on private Kalinsky can be found here
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